Koyasan ChoishimichiKoyasan Stone Marker Path Guide

Koyasan Stone Marker Path

The
Koyasan Stone Marker Path starts from Jison-in in Kudoyama and ends at the
mausoleum of Kobo Daishi in the Oku-no-in of Koyasan. The distance between two
stone markers is around 109 meters. From Jison-in to the Garan on Koyasan there
are 180 stone markers and from the Garan to the mausoleum in the Oku-no-in 36
stone markers, a distance of around 24 km and additionally there are 4
“riseki”, each of which is placed every 36 stone markers(1 Ri = 36 cho).

Originally the path was signed by
stupa-shaped wooden sticks which had been replaced in l265 A. D.(Bunei 2) by
stone markers on suggestion of the priest Kakukyo of Henjo-ko-in on Koyasan.
Adaji Yasumori, a leading figure of the Kamakura Bakufu solicitedthe abdicated emperor Go-Saga (1220-1272),
and the two relatives, Hojo Masamura and Tokimune, strong influential
personalities of the Bakufu for the realization of more than 200 stone markers.
After a period of 20 years the project was completed in 1285 (Koan 8). The
height of the stone marker is about 3 m and the top has a shape of the gorinto
(gorinto: stupa in the forma of 5 elements, from the bottom to the top: cube,
sphere, pyramid, hemisphere, tear). The 36 stone markers on the mountain from
Garan to Oku-no-in respresent the 32 Bodhisattvas and 4 Buddhas of the 37
worshipping figures of the Kongokai Mandala. The 180 stone markers from
Jison-in to the Garan represent 180 worshipping figures of the Taizokai
Mandala. Each stone marker is provided with an engraved number, a Siddham
letter (old Sanskrit script) and the name of the sponsor. The stone marker
signs the main pilgrim path to Koyasan where in front of each stonemarker
pilgrims join their hands in prayer for comfort in the present and the future,
as well as for rejoicing in the paradise of Buddha.

Important historical events in Japan during this
period: invasion and battle of the Mongols called Bun-ei no eki in 1274,
defence against the Mongol invasion called Koan no eki in 1281

Climbing up the stairs from Jison-in to Niu
Shrine designated by the government,you willsee the stone
marker 180 on the right side of the gate. After passing through the great
entrance gate “Daimon” in Koyasan you will find the stone marker 1 in
front of the Garan. There are 23 stone markers in Kudoyama, 61 in
Katsuragi and 96 in Koya.

In the centre of the photo, imitation breasts
made of glossy silk as offerings from women wishing to be pregnant, to give
easy birth or hoping for good health

Stairs leading to Niu Shrine designated by the
government and the stone marker 180 on the right side

Stone
marker 180, the first step of the Koyasan pilgrim path

For 700
years after the completion only a number of 50 Koyasan stone markers had to be
replaced. Even in longtime of snow storms the other stones remain standing as
in those days. In Showa 52 (1981) July, the pilgrim path was appointed as a
national historical site. From Heisei 6 (1995) for a duration of five years the
operation of the Koyasan Stone Marker Preservation successively

executed restoration works. The works started
with the dismantling of the two gates called the “Futatsu Torii” and seven
stonemarkers were restored for preservation, followed by works on the summer
house, reconstruction of the path, installation of guideposts and illustrated
map boards,

changing in this way the scenery of the
path.Since the “Great Heisei
Restoration”hikers have been sensibly
increasing in number. Much appreciated by the hikers is the four season
landscape of Katsuragi town. From the “Futatsu Torii” you can enjoy the splendid
panorama of Amano village.

*Sixstone markers show on their surface a Siddham letter together with four
ideograms meaning either “chief mourner of the ten directions” or “donor of the
ten directions”. The Koyasan stone markers had been heartfully donated by
abdicated emperors, celebrated samurais, ladies and high leveled Buddhist
priests as well as monks and peoble without rank and name. Men and women of
high and low rank equally participated for the realization of this pilgrim
path.